Olmstead V. L.C.

Much More Needs To Be Done In NM

New Mexico's Department of Health and Human Services Department met with the public at the Convention Center November 29th to hear comments on New Mexico's current plan in response to a 1999 Supreme Court ruling, Olmstead v L.C.

"Isolating people with disabilities in an institution is a form of discrimination", said Tonia Trapp, an advocate of Protection and Advocacy System. "New Mexico has no state plan to comply with the Olmstead decision".

Many state officials believe that New Mexico is beginning to do much to develop more programs in the community. However, many families and advocates disagree and believe that much more needs to be done.

Public comment focused on programs in behavioral health needing to develop more funding sources such as Medicaid Waivers. Supportive programs such as Personal Care Attendant programs need to be continued with parity across all disabilities and expanded for all ages, not just people over 21 years of age. Transportation needs more consideration to give people with disabilities independence. Health coverage should continue for people who have disabilities as they transition back into work. Money should be geared towards the community, not nursing homes, ICF/MRs, psychiatric hospitals, and other restrictive settings.